11. September 2010 02:07
PANAJI: Buyers from 12 countries have confirmed their participation at the International Travel Mart-Goa 2010, organizers said on Thursday.
Goa Tourism Development Corporation's managing director Nikhil Desai said that buyers from South Africa, Singapore, Italy, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates ( UAE), Russia, Poland, Australia, Switzerland, Thailand, Jordan and Canada have confirmed that they will come to Goa for the event.
Desai added that 250 buyers from across the country and abroad are expected at the mart scheduled to be held in Goa from October 14 to 17.
Goa Tourism, along with GTDC and Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) is hosting ITM, which is being held for the first time in this tourist state.
Desai said that the country's apex tourism bodies, including Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Association of Domestic Tour Operators of IndiaTravel Agents Federation of India (TAFI), have confirmed their participation.
"We expect more confirmations as the event draws nearer," Desai said, adding that organizers are enthused by the response.
"I think it's a step in the right direction. Industry is overwhelmingly supportive. Major five-star chains have taken this seriously to get access to direct buyers," Desai said.
He added that this is first attempt of the state government to actually invite buyers to see Goa for themselves.
" Seeing is believing. Other than we going out and promoting, the trend is that people should come and see for themselves," said Desai.
(ADTOI) and
Original News Source: '12 countries to participate in ITM Goa' - The Times of India
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